Water pitcher filter

Abstract

A filter assembly for a household water filtration apparatus, and a method for filtering water using a household water filtration apparatus are provided. The filter assembly comprises a through-flow cartridge, which has an accessible cavity. The cartridge is removably received in the household water filtration apparatus. The filter assembly further comprises a water permeable enclosure that contains filter media, which is removably received in the accessible cavity. The method comprises opening a through-flow cartridge, depositing a filter packet in the cartridge, closing the cartridge, depositing the cartridge in the household water filtration apparatus, and passing water through the cartridge. Alternately, the filter assembly may be fabricated using polylactic acid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 846,949 (filed on Aug. 29, 2007), which was converted to Provisional Application 61 / 007,899 (Petition Granted on Jan. 14, 2008); and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 960,018 (filed on Dec. 19, 2007), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to filter assemblies for a portable water filtration apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to filter assemblies that are environmentally friendly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Portable water filtration apparatus, such as those sold under the Brita trade mark, include countertop water filters and faucet mounted water filters. These water filters typically include a filter assembly that includes a filtration media, such as activated carbon. These filter assemblies are fitted into the water filters. For example, a filter assembly may be f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A further advantage of the present invention is that the space required to store replacement permeable enclosures is less then the space required to store replacement cartridges. The components of a replacement cartridges are relatively inexpensive. However, the volume occupied by them has a substantial impact on the cost of shipping and warehousing the product. Accordingly, by providing replacement permeable enclosures, costs and storage space may be reduced.

[0010]In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filter assembly for a household water filtration apparatus, the filter assembly comprising.

[0011](a) a through-flow cartridge having an accessible cavity, wherein the cartridge is received in the household water filtration apparatus;

[0012](b) a water-permeable enclosure removably receivable in the accessible cavity; and,

[0014]In some embodiments, the through-flow cartridge is removably received in the household water filtration apparatus. In other embodiments, a portion of the through-flow cartridge is permanently secured to the household water filtration apparatus.

Problems solved by technology

Plastic is typically not biodegradable and will remain in landfill for an extended period of time.

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